ADHD & ADD Understanding the Criteria for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Adapted from American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (4th edition). Washington, DC: Author.  Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) includes symptoms related to either inattention or hyperactivity and impulsivity, or both.

ADHD - Predominantly Inattentive Type At least six of the following symptoms of inattention have persisted for at least 6 months to an extent that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level:  fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities  has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities  does not seem to listen to what is being said to him or her

Predominantly Inattentive Type - ADHD  does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions)  has difficulties organizing tasks and activities  avoids or strongly dislikes tasks (such as schoolwork or homework) that require sustained mental effort  loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., school assignments, pencils, books, tools, or toys)  is easily distracted by extraneous stimuli  forgetful in daily activities

ADHD - Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type  At least six of the following hyperactivity- impulsivity symptoms have persisted for at least six months to an extent that is maladaptive and inconsistent with developmental level.

Hyperactivity  fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat  leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected  runs about or climbs excessively in situations where it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness)  has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly  talks excessively  acts as if "driven by a motor" and cannot remain still

Impulsivity  blurts out answers to questions before the questions have been completed  has difficulty waiting in lines or awaiting turn in games or group situations  interrupts or intrudes on others

ADHD - Combined Type  Students who demonstrate at least six symptoms from both the inattentive group and the hyperactivity-impulsivity groups (twelve symptoms in total) are considered to have ADHD - Combined Type.

Other characteristics  For a student to be diagnosed as ADHD, these factors must also be considered: 1.The age of onset for the symptoms must be no later than 7 years of age. 2.The symptoms must be present in at least two situations (for example, at school and at home). 3.The disorder causes clinically significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. 4. The disorder is not another psychiatric disorder.